The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today(18) ordered the release on bail of former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, who had been remanded over allegations of aiding and abetting the misuse of state funds.
Ekanayake was arrested in connection with the approval of public funds for former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private visit to the United Kingdom in 2023.
He was named as the second suspect in a case alleging that Wickremesinghe misused approximately Rs. 16.9 million in state funds to attend his wife, Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe’s graduation ceremony in London during an official visit in late 2023.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara ordered the suspect’s release on two surety bails of Rs. 2 million each.
President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, appearing on behalf of Ekanayake, had recently sought bail from the court.
However, Additional Solicitor General Dilip Peiris, representing the Criminal Investigation Department, strongly objected to the bail application.
After considering submissions from both parties, the magistrate granted bail to the suspect.
